countyscore
64.1
County Score
Cost of Living 88.8Property Tax 86.2Disaster Risk 82.1

County Report Card

About Dickenson County, Virginia

Dickenson County Surpasses National Norms

Boasting a composite score of 64.1, Dickenson County performs much better than the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in a high percentile for overall livability nationally.

A Top Performer in Virginia

The county's score of 64.1 easily beats the Virginia state average of 50.9. It stands out as a high-value rural option within the Commonwealth's diverse landscape.

Elite Affordability and Safety

Dickenson shines with a cost score of 88.8 and a tax score of 86.2, driven by a median home value of just $101,100. It also offers peace of mind with a strong risk score of 82.1 and a safety score of 68.8.

Low Incomes and Water Infrastructure

Economic opportunity remains limited with an income score of 5.9 and a median household income of $43,831. Furthermore, the water score of 12.3 indicates significant room for improvement in local utility infrastructure.

Perfect for Rural Stability

This county is a premier choice for families looking for extreme affordability and safety in a quiet setting. While local wages are low, the low effective tax rate of 0.497% makes it a haven for those with external or fixed incomes.

Score breakdown

Tax86.2Cost88.8Safety68.8Health34.3Schools55.7Income5.9Risk82.1Water12.3Weather73.7
🏛86.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤34.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡82.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧12.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤73.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨45.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Dickenson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dickenson County

via TaxByCounty

Dickenson offers some of Virginia's lowest rates

Dickenson County's effective tax rate of 0.497% ranks among the lowest in the nation, putting it in roughly the 5th percentile. The median annual tax of $503 is just 19% of the national median of $2,690, making it exceptionally affordable for homeowners.

Lowest property tax rate in Virginia

Dickenson County's 0.497% rate is significantly below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, positioning it as one of the state's most tax-friendly jurisdictions. With a median home value of $101,100 and median tax of $503, the county offers the lowest property tax burden among Virginia's measured communities.

Beats all nearby counties on taxes

Dickenson County's 0.497% rate decisively undercuts Danville city (0.674%), Dinwiddie County (0.601%), and Emporia city (0.755%). The combination of a low rate and low home values means Dickenson residents enjoy the region's smallest tax bills.

What a typical home costs in taxes

A median-priced home valued at $101,100 in Dickenson County carries an annual tax bill of roughly $503. That translates to about $42 per month, making it among the most affordable property tax burdens in Virginia.

Homeowners can challenge assessments

Even in low-tax Dickenson County, property owners should verify their home's assessed value—overassessments do occur. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could reduce your $503 annual bill if your home is valued above market rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dickenson County

via CostByCounty

Dickenson's rent burden exceeds national norm

Dickenson County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% surpasses the national standard of 18.6%, though the gap is modest compared to many struggling communities. Median household income of $43,831 trails the nation by 41%, while median rent of $733 represents exceptional value in absolute terms. The county demonstrates how even below-average rents can strain below-average incomes.

Among Virginia's most affordable options

Dickenson County's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks better than state average of 18.6%—a rare bright spot in rural southwestern Virginia. The $733 median rent is 36% cheaper than Virginia's statewide median of $1,140, though local wages are proportionally lower. This county punches above its weight on affordability, partly due to its lower cost of living anchored by modest rents and home prices.

Dickenson leads the affordability compact

Among the region's economically similar counties, Dickenson boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 20.1%, slightly better than Danville's 22.7%. Rents here ($733) undercut even Danville's ($808), and at $101,100, median home values are the lowest in this peer group. Dickenson emerges as the most affordable for renters and owners with fixed or modest incomes.

Homeownership surprisingly affordable

Dickenson renters pay $733 monthly (20.1% of income), but homeowners enjoy even better economics with median monthly costs of just $433, consuming only 11.9% of household income. The median home value of $101,100 suggests strong equity-building potential for buyers with access to mortgages. For income-constrained households, homeownership here offers a clear affordability advantage over renting.

Ideal for budget-conscious homebuyers

Dickenson County offers Virginia's lowest homeownership costs, with sub-$110k median values and monthly costs under $433—a rarity in today's market. Renters seeking the lowest possible monthly housing costs will also find relief here at $733. The tradeoff is limited job diversity and lower regional wages, making this ideal for retirees, remote workers, or those relocating for specific local employment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dickenson County

via IncomeByCounty

Dickenson County trails national income standards

Dickenson County's median household income of $43,831 falls 41% short of the national median of $74,755. This gap underscores economic pressures facing rural and transitioning communities nationwide.

Among Virginia's most economically challenged counties

Dickenson County ranks near the state's lowest tier with a median income nearly $31,000 below Virginia's state average of $74,957. Per capita income of $26,070 also significantly underperforms the state's $39,155 average.

Dickenson and Danville share similar income struggles

Dickenson County's $43,831 median income closely mirrors Danville city's $42,778, placing both among the region's lowest-earning jurisdictions. Wealthier areas like Dinwiddie County ($83,898) show the stark disparities within Virginia.

Affordable housing supports financial stability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% and median home values around $101,100, Dickenson County offers relatively affordable housing options. This affordability provides households breathing room to invest in savings and future security.

Start small with consistent financial planning

Building wealth doesn't require large lump sums—automated monthly transfers to savings or investment accounts create discipline. Local credit unions and community banks often offer tailored financial planning services designed for working families.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dickenson County

via CrimeByCounty

Dickenson County Ranks Among the Nation's Safest

Dickenson County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.8 out of 100, far exceeding the national baseline. Its total crime rate of 731.1 per 100,000 residents is less than a third of the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of reported incidents makes it one of the more secure regions in the United States.

A Leader in Virginia Public Safety

With a safety score of 98.8, Dickenson County outperforms the Virginia state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate is significantly lower than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 people. This performance cements the county's reputation as a secure pocket within the Commonwealth.

Low Crime Compared to Regional Peers

The county maintains a total crime rate of 731.1 per 100,000, which is dramatically lower than the state's average of 1,728.8. While local reporting from four agencies provides a clear picture, the area remains much quieter than many neighboring jurisdictions. This low activity level provides a calm environment for rural residents.

Understanding the Local Crime Profile

Violent crime in Dickenson County sits at 127.8 per 100,000, well below the national mark of 369.8. Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents at 603.3 per 100,000 residents. Even so, these property-related figures remain less than a third of the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Maintaining Security in Dickenson County

Despite the high safety score, residents should stay vigilant against the 603.3 property crimes reported per 100,000 people. Motion-sensor lighting and secure locks are effective deterrents for rural properties. Basic home security awareness ensures that these low crime numbers stay that way.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dickenson County

via HealthByCounty

Rural county lags national health benchmarks

Dickenson County residents average 71.9 years—4.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Just over one-fifth of the population (22.2%) reports poor or fair health, slightly better than the national 18% but indicating persistent health challenges.

Below-average health ranking within state

Dickenson's life expectancy of 71.9 years trails Virginia's 75.1-year average by 3.2 years, positioning it in the lower half of state health outcomes. The county's poor/fair health rate of 22.2% exceeds the state median, reflecting rural health burdens.

Healthier than some Appalachian peers

Dickenson's 71.9-year life expectancy exceeds Danville city (68.3 years) and Emporia city (66.8 years), but trails Dinwiddie County (74.7 years). The county's 22.2% poor/fair health rate positions it in the middle of its regional cohort.

Provider shortage creates access barriers

Dickenson has only 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—80% below state levels—forcing residents to travel for routine care. With 8.5% uninsured and just 88 mental health providers per 100,000, healthcare access remains significantly constrained.

Insurance enrollment opens doors to care

More than one in ten Dickenson County residents lack health coverage, limiting access to preventive care and specialist services. Explore Virginia's health insurance marketplace or reach out to a county health department to find affordable coverage options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dickenson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but Unified Rural School Network

Dickenson County manages its education through five public schools, including three elementary centers and one dedicated high school. A single district serves the entire population of 1,946 students. This streamlined infrastructure ensures every student passes through a consistent educational pathway from kindergarten to graduation.

Exceptional Graduation Rates in the Mountains

The county boasts a 92% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $7,216 is lower than the state average, the county achieves a school score of 55, placing it just above the Virginia median. These results suggest a high return on investment for the community's educational resources.

Dickenson County Public Schools Lead the Way

Dickenson County Public Schools is the sole provider for the region, managing all 1,946 enrolled students across five campuses. There are currently no charter schools in operation within the county limits. The district maintains a focused, traditional public school model to serve its local families.

A Thoroughly Rural Educational Experience

All five schools in the county are situated in rural locales, reflecting the region's quiet, mountainous character. Enrollment ranges from 592 students at Ridgeview High to just 113 at Ervinton Elementary. With an average school size of 389, students benefit from a close-knit environment where most peers are known by name.

Relocating for High-Performing Rural Schools

Families seeking a safe, rural setting with graduation rates that beat the state average should explore homes in Dickenson County. The strong performance of Ridgeview High makes this an attractive destination for long-term residency. Consider school quality as a cornerstone of your home-buying strategy in this tight-knit community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dickenson County

via RiskByCounty

Dickenson County is exceptionally safe

Dickenson's composite risk score of 17.94 ranks in the very low category, well below the national average and indicating minimal overall disaster vulnerability. However, the county does face one notable exception: wildfire risk of 83.27, which represents a concentrated threat requiring targeted preparedness.

Among Virginia's safest communities

Dickenson's score of 17.94 is less than half the Virginia state average of 33.27, placing it in the lower tier of risk statewide. The county's low exposure across most hazard categories makes it one of the commonwealth's more resilient areas overall.

Wildfire risk sets Dickenson apart

Dickenson's composite score of 17.94 aligns with nearby Dinwiddie County (19.34), but its wildfire risk of 83.27 far exceeds that county's 21.88. This elevated wildfire exposure reflects Dickenson's forested terrain and mountain location in southwestern Virginia.

Wildfire dominates Dickenson's risk profile

Wildfire risk of 83.27 is Dickenson's primary natural disaster threat, dwarfing all other hazards in the county. Tornado risk (8.43) and earthquake risk (35.97) present minimal concerns, while flood and hurricane risks remain low at 37.56 and 42.05 respectively.

Prepare now for wildfire season

Dickenson residents should focus on defensible space around homes—clearing dead vegetation and maintaining 30+ feet of cleared brush from structures. Work with local fire departments on evacuation planning and ensure you have a go-bag ready during high-fire-danger months.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dickenson County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Mountain Air in Appalachia

Dickenson County's average annual temperature of 53.1°F aligns closely with the national median for temperate climates. Its high elevation keeps the region much cooler than coastal counterparts.

Cooler Than the Virginia Baseline

The county is nearly three degrees cooler than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. This gap highlights the dramatic impact of the Appalachian topography on local weather.

The Snow Peak of the Region

With 38.3 inches of annual snowfall, Dickenson is significantly more winter-prone than many of its neighbors. It also receives a generous 48.4 inches of precipitation, exceeding the state average of 45.7 inches.

Gentle Summers and Snowy Winters

Extreme heat is rare here, with only 3 days per year reaching 90°F or higher. However, the winter average of 34.8°F supports significant snow accumulation throughout the colder months.

Prepare for Serious Snowfall

Reliable heating systems and snow removal equipment are essential given the 38.3-inch annual snow total. Summer cooling needs remain low, as July averages stay at a comfortable 71.7°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dickenson County

via SoilByCounty

The Nutrient-Rich Soil of Dickenson

Dickenson County features a pH of 5.33, slightly better than the state average but still acidic compared to the 6.5 national median. It earns an impressive soil score of 45.6, placing it among the most productive soils in the region.

Sandy Loam Texture for Growth

The soil contains 43.9% sand and 35.2% silt, creating a texture that allows for excellent root penetration. With a low clay content of only 10.7%, this soil avoids the drainage problems often found in heavier Appalachian clays.

Unrivaled Organic Matter Content

At 9.95%, Dickenson’s organic matter is nearly triple the state average and quintuple the national average. This incredible biological richness powers plant growth, even though the water capacity of 0.139 in/in is slightly below the state norm.

Managing High-Organic Water Flow

Specific drainage classes are not currently listed, but the extremely high organic matter acts like a sponge for rainfall. This characteristic helps prevent erosion on the county’s steep slopes while keeping nutrients available for forests.

Thriving in the 7a Mountains

Zone 7a gardeners in Dickenson have a massive advantage with such high natural fertility. This soil is ready-made for heirloom vegetables and fruit trees that crave a rich, carbon-heavy growing medium.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dickenson County

via LawnByCounty

Exceptional Growing Conditions in Dickenson

Dickenson County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 72.9, making it one of the easiest places in the country to maintain a healthy lawn. This score is significantly higher than the Virginia average of 55.4, indicating a very hospitable environment for Hardiness Zone 7a. The mild climate and consistent moisture create a perfect foundation for lush green spaces.

Cooler Summers and High Precipitation

With only 3 extreme heat days per year compared to the state average of 28, heat stress is rarely a concern for local lawns. The county receives a generous 48.4 inches of rain annually, keeping turf naturally hydrated. A shorter growing season and 3,200 growing degree days mean mowing frequencies are more manageable than in hotter Virginia regions.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Soil

The soil pH here is 5.33, which is notably more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrass. With a 43.9% sand content, the soil offers decent drainage but may lose nutrients quickly. Applying lime is a standard necessity in Dickenson County to neutralize acidity and unlock soil nutrients.

High Resilience and Low Drought Risk

Dickenson County is highly resilient to drought, with only one week spent in drought conditions over the past year. While 46.7% of the area is currently listed as abnormally dry, severe drought remains at 0%. This consistency makes it much easier to maintain turf health without heavy reliance on irrigation systems.

Seeding for Success in Zone 7a

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass thrive in these milder conditions. Plan your primary seeding for the window between the April 22nd last frost and the October 23rd first frost. The moderate 71.7°F July average provides a safe environment for new seedlings to take hold without scorched roots.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dickenson County's county score?
Dickenson County, Virginia has a composite county score of 64.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Dickenson County rank among counties in Virginia?
Dickenson County ranks #9 among all counties in Virginia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Dickenson County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Dickenson County is $503, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Dickenson County a tax score of 86.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dickenson County?
The median household income in Dickenson County, Virginia is $43,831 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dickenson County earns an income score of 5.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dickenson County, Virginia a good place to live?
Dickenson County scores 64.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Dickenson County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Dickenson County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.